Promoting Literacy in Your Children

Promoting literacy in children is one of the most important things that you can do. Today, kids turn to technology for sources of information. While this is a good use of technology, children often do not realize that books can be used for information and enjoyment. Unfortunately, many children begin to see reading and books as an assignment by the time they reach fifth grade. Learning to enjoy reading can create intelligent, well rounded children Here are some tips on promoting literacy in kids.

Read to Your Children
This might seem like a no-brainer. But reading to children, even older children, can be important. Reading to children should occur often, at different intervals throughout the day. Parents and children bond over reading. Reading a book that is slightly above the child's reading level will be challenge the child and have them crave books of higher difficulty. This is true especially if the chosen book is interesting and engaging. The more you read together, the more concentration your child will acquire. Your child will also gain observation skill and an understanding of the English language.

Let Your Children See You Read Often
Make sure that your children see you read all different types of media. Do not just read from the computer. Read newspapers, books, magazines and journals. If your children see you read as a matter of daily routine, they too will pick up the "habit".

Set a Quiet Time to Read Each Day
This can be done regardless of age. Children need to know that they can enjoy books with you and they can also enjoy books on their own. By setting even a small amount of time each day for quiet reading, you are showing your child the importance of quiet time. If your child is too young to read on their own, the act of pretending to read can generate excitement about the reading process. This also gives your child an opportunity to see you read.

Refer to Books for Information
Children ask TONS of questions. Give them answers. Make sure that you look up answers in books, as well as using technology. Make it a task you complete together. By showing kids how to look up information, you are giving your children important skills for the future.

Put Books in Several Rooms
Placing books in various rooms in your house allows them to always be available to your children. It is a lot easier to promote literacy if books are accessible to your children on low shelves throughout your home.

Start Reading to Your Children at a Young Age
Start reading to your child as a baby. Even newborns can enjoy reading. Looking at interesting pictures as you read can help a child learn vocabulary. By reading to your baby, they learn the cadence that language has and begin to understand conversations.

By following these tips, your children will have an affinity for reading and become well rounded, successful people.